A briefing for the committee covered the equity licensing process at WSLCB, consultation by the Office of Equity, along with technical assistance and grants from WA Commerce.
As activity wrapped for the holidays, WSLCB board members planned to complete social equity work but all other rulemaking activity would be trimmed or further delayed into 2025.
An epidemiologist spoke to her research on THC concentrations and mental health outcomes among adolescents, including a longitudinal study from the UK, before taking questions.
Proposed social equity program changes garnered a mix of support and criticism during their hearing, plus almost all public comments reflected doubt WSLCB would improve the situation.
Legislators planned to host work sessions in advance of the 2025 session which would occasion the final convening of the House Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee.
A researcher from the University of Ottawa in Canada discussed his country’s experience with legalization, including health studies he’d participated in, and addressed a couple of questions.
The departure of the Policy and Rules Manager meant rule actions for 2024 would be led by an Acting Manager, including withdrawal of a project on Employee Stock Ownership Plans.
Officials and licensees alike moved to squeeze in policy-related meetings between the end of year holidays as pre-filing for the 2025-26 biennial state legislative session opened on Monday.
A data brief on CHS prepared by staff analyzed patterns in cannabis use not previously studied, leading to questions about further investigation of the condition from the acting board chair.
A few events may get stuffed in ahead of November holidays, including an advocacy training by leading public health officials which was “not open to anyone from the Cannabis industry.”
